Shenango Lake partners completed a project to provide another access point to the river for paddle sport enthusiasts and anglers.

The Shenango River Watchers recently rebuilt the New Hamburg Canoe Launch Roadway. It is located between the Kidds Mill Park and Big Bend Access Area, providing midway access between the 7.5 mile river span. The project opened a little-used, old access road that had fallen into disrepair. The project was designed so people would be able to drive their vehicles and boat trailers directly up to the launch area, unload, turn around, and park in a nearby lot. There are now three access points on Corps property which are part of the Shenango River Water Trail which stretches from Pymatuning State Park to Shenango Lake.

In past years, visitors could be seen walking down the shoulder of the highway carrying all sorts of canoes, kayaks, and associated equipment. They would reach the river by using the unimproved pathways.

The Shenango River Watchers leased the access area from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last year and worked heartily toward obtaining several sizeable grants that funded the project.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District and Penn-DOT were involved with planning and implementation. Once the area was leased, the River Watchers were able to complete the project at a time when Shenango Lake experienced several fiscal constraints.

The Shenango River Watchers have scheduled the Upper Shenango River Sojourn for June 27 – 29. Check out their website at http://shenangoriverwatchers.org for other fun events throughout the summer.

Monetary contributors included the Jamestown VFW, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Mercer County Visitors Bureau, Mercer County Commissioners, and the Shenango River Watchers.